CELPIP Exam Format 2025: With Section Wise Syllabus & Questions

Lakshmi

7 min read

Updated On Jun 23, 2025

CELPIP Exam Format 2025: With Section Wise Syllabus & Questions

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CELPIP Exam Format in 2025
1. CELPIP - General Test Format
2. CELPIP - General LS Test Format
Overview of CELPIP Exam Syllabus for 2025
Steps to take the CELPIP Exam in 2025
CELPIP - General V/S CELPIP - General LS
How to Crack the CELPIP Exam?
Explore Your Canada PR Options With GetGIS

The CELPIP exam format 2025 is designed to assess English language proficiency for immigration and professional purposes in Canada, with updated features to ensure a more user friendly and accurate evaluation.

As of 2025 there are over 30 test centres across Canada and select international locations offering the CELPIP exam catering to the rising demand among PR applicants. Considering the growing recognition by IRCC understanding the CELPIP test format is crucial for achieving a high score and meeting eligibility criteria for Canadian immigration programs

CELPIP Exam Format in 2025

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP Exam) is conducted by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC). There are 2 versions of CELPIP Exam Format - which are CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS.

Test Type	Components	Test Time
CELPIP-General	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	3 hours
CELPIP-General LS	Listening, Speaking	1 hour and 10 minutes

Both examinations have identical speaking and listening components. Below is a full description of the two test kinds' CELPIP exam pattern.

1. CELPIP - General Test Format

You can complete the CELPIP exam online in a single sitting. There are 4sections in the CELPIP General test: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Below is a discussion of the specific question categories and the overall format of the CELPIP general test for each segment.

1A. CELPIP Listening Test Format

The total time allotted for this section is 50 Minutes. The CELPIP listening format is divided into six sections with a total of 38 questions, plus an initial practice task. The candidate's abilities are assessed and graded in areas such as meaning, vocabulary, task completion, and listening understanding.

Component	Number of Questions
Practice Task	1
Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving	8
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation	5
Part 3: Listening for Information	6
Part 4: Listening to a News Item	5
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion	8
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints	6

1B. CELPIP Reading Test Format

The total time allotted for this section is 60 minutes. The CELPIP reading test format includes a reading component which is divided into four sections with a combined total of 38 questions. The segment also begins with a practice task. It is required of the candidates to read and provide answers.

Component	Number of Questions
Part 1: Reading Correspondence	$11
Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram	$8
Part 3: Reading for Information	$9
Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints	$10

1C. CELPIP Writing Test Format

The total time allotted for this section is 53 -60 minutes. The CELPIP writing test format comprises of writing portion including two activities, each with only a single question. It is required of candidates to write down their responses to the questions posed. In this stage, the candidate's abilities are evaluated and rated according to meaning, vocabulary, task completion, and readability.

Component	Number of Questions
Task 1: Writing an Email	1
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions	1

1D. CELPIP Speaking Test Format

The total time allotted for this section is 20 minutes. The CELPIP speaking test format has eight speaking tasks with one question for each. Applicants must answer in response to the questions that appear on the screen prompt.

Component	Number of Questions
Practice Task	1
Task 1: Giving Advice	1
Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience	1
Task 3: Describing a Scene	1
Task 4: Making Predictions	1
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading	1
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation	1
Task 7: Expressing Opinions	1
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation	1

2. CELPIP - General LS Test Format

There are two components of the CELPIP - General LS Test: Speaking and Listening.

2A. CELPIP LS Test Format- Listening

Total time allotted for this section: 50 Minutes.

Component	Number of Questions
Practice Task	1
Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving	8
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation	5
Part 3: Listening for Information	6
Part 4: Listening to a News Item	5
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion	8
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints	6

2B. CELPIP LS Test Format- Speaking

Total time allotted for this section: 20 minutes.

Component	Number of Questions
Practice Task	1
Task 1: Giving Advice	1
Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience	1
Task 3: Describing a Scene	1
Task 4: Making Predictions	1
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading	1
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation	1
Task 7: Expressing Opinions	1
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation	1

Also Read: Language Test For Canada PR: List of English to French Exams for Canada Immigration

Overview of CELPIP Exam Syllabus for 2025

So far we have learnt about the detailed CELPIP Test Format for 2025 aspirants including PR and students, to facilitate your preparation further let us also explore the updated CELPIP Exam syllabus for 2025.

Section	Focus Area	Skills Tested
Listening	Listening Test, Part 1	Test-taking strategies, vocabulary-building introduction
	Listening Test, Part 2	Establishing context, note-taking: location and time
	Listening Test, Part 3	Note-taking: main ideas and supporting details
	Listening Test, Part 4	Using abbreviations, synonyms, recording facts
	Listening Test, Part 5	Visual clues, distinguishing relevant vs. irrelevant information
	Listening Test, Part 6	Recognizing facts/opinions, summaries vs. paraphrases, pros and cons
	Practice Listening Test	Full test practice, review, and error analysis
	Course Review	Review of all Listening Test skills
Reading	Overview of the Reading Test	Active vs. passive reading, previewing, skimming, scanning, vocabulary-building
	Reading Test, Part 1	Skimming, scanning, synonym-matching, timed reading
	Reading Test, Part 2	Coherence, logic, locating info, writer’s tone and purpose, timed reading
	Reading Test, Part 3	Paragraph structure, identifying main ideas, timed reading
	Reading Test, Part 4	Context meaning, viewpoints, fact vs. opinion, eliminating wrong answers
	Practice Reading Test	Full test practice, review, and error analysis
	Course Review	Review of all Reading Test skills
Writing	Overview of the Writing Test	Performance standards, precision, vocabulary, common errors
	Writing Test, Task 1 (Emails)	Greetings, tone, indirect questions, email format, paragraphing, synonyms
	Writing Test, Task 2 (Opinion)	Note-taking, expressing opinions, conjunctions, supporting details
	Writing Test, Task 2 Continued	Transitions, concluding sentences, timed writing, peer and sample analysis
	Practice & Feedback	Individual feedback sessions, all Writing skills review
Speaking	Overview of the Speaking Test	Performance standards, idea development, vocabulary-building
	Speaking Test, Task 1 & 2	Organizing thoughts, giving advice, WH questions, time expressions
	Speaking Test, Task 3 & 4	Prepositions, describing details, making predictions
	Speaking Test, Task 5 & 6	Comparing, persuading, intonation, giving reasons
	Speaking Test, Task 7 & 8	Stating opinions, convincing arguments, analysis of responses
	Practice & Feedback	Peer feedback, test simulations, review of all Speaking skills

Steps to take the CELPIP Exam in 2025

Preparation is done and now you are ready to appear for the CELPIP test? We have drafted the detailed step by step process to help you appear for CELPIP 2025.

Step 1: Learn about the CELPIP Exam.The way it's been conducted and the format for the test. Just calculate the time you require to study for the exam.

Step 2: Prepare for the test with over 10 hours of free webinars, a free CELPIP test sample, and a free practice test when you create a CELPIP Account.

Step 3: After preparing, register for your test to pursue your dream career. You can register through their website.

Step 4: Get ready to give your test.

Step 5: Now, view the results to check how much you score on your test!

CELPIP - General V/S CELPIP - General LS

There are two CELPIP test forms available. Read carefully to find out which test version you have to take.

CELPIP - General Exam	CELPIP - General LS Exam
CAD 290+ Taxes	CAD 195+ Taxes
Tests the person's proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English.	Tests the person's proficiency in speaking and listening.
The test takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be done in one sitting with no separate speaking session.	The test takes approximately 1 hour to complete and can be done in one sitting with no separate speaking session.
IRCC Approved for PR Status	IRCC Approved for Citizenship Status

Also Read: Low CRS Score? Unlock 50+ Points Through Language Score Improvements

How to Crack the CELPIP Exam?

Preparing for any exam is challenging; however, here are some methods that you can utilize to pass your CELPIP exam.

Solve Free CELPIP Sample Test: With the help of the free online example exam, you can become familiar with the time and structure of the exam. Experience a variety of questions you will get on exam day.
Attend a Free Workshop or Webinar: CELPIP webinars, which offer more than ten hours of online instruction, provide you with a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the CELPIP Test. You can visit their website for more information.
Study Material: You can use various study resources, such as an interactive learning program, online practice tests, textbooks, and more, to prepare for the CELPIP exam.

Explore Your Canada PR Options With GetGIS

Understanding the CELPIP exam format is essential for effective preparation and achieving high scores especially for those aiming for Canadian immigration or professional licensing. As a Canadian designed exam, CELPIP offers a practical and accessible alternative to other English proficiency tests.

With consistent practice on each component, candidates can become familiar with the question types and time limits. To get your personalized support you need for your Canada immigration needs look no further than GetGIS. Our team is here to help you out with all your Canada PR requirements ensuring a safe and timely immigration.

Book Your Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CELPIP Exam?

The CELPIP Test is an internationally recognized English language proficiency exam that measures a test taker's ability to use the English language in practical, everyday situations. The test is designed to assess the test taker's proficiency in four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

What is the passing score of the CELPIP Exam?

The CELPIP exam does not have a pass/fail option; instead, it assigns a CELPIP Level to each component. Therefore, it is recommended that you check with the organization where you are applying about their English language requirements before taking the exam. This will help you determine the minimum CELPIP Level you need to achieve to meet their language standards.

How IRCC and CELPIP are related?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designates the CELPIP Test. The CELPIP-General LS Test verifies the speaking and listening skills necessary for Canadian citizenship, whereas the CELPIP-General Test verifies the English language proficiency required for permanent resident status in Canada.

Can the CELPIP exam be taken remotely?

The CELPIP Test, which is an English language proficiency test, is designed to assess the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills of non-native English speakers. The CELPIP Test is entirely computer-delivered. But you have to take the test in person at one of the test centers.

Is there any negative marking in the CELPIP Exam?

No, there is no negative marking in CELPIP. It is advised to attempt all the questions.